siliconindia | | December 20199Device Information Area (DIA) that provides a dedicated memory space for factory-programmed device ID and pe-ripheral calibration values. 8-bit MCUs have played a significant role in im-proving serial communications, including UART with support for Asynchronous and LIN protocols, in ad-dition to higher-speed, standalone I2C and SPI serial communication interfaces.The CAN plus CIPs combination make 8-bit MCU programming simple and easy. With CIPs, 8-bit MCUs work as a great alternative to the more expensive and dif-ficult to program16-bit MCUs, especially when they pro-vide sufficient processing power for remote nodes. The on-chip hardware modules are highly config-urable and handle repetitive embedded tasks more effi-ciently and deterministically. For example, CIPs can still continue operations outside of the core in instances where an MCU gets caught in a loop.Network designers today have considerable flexibility and numerous options for implementing CAN and LIN communications. Many of the typical 8-bit MCU LIN ap-plications can be performed with CAN as well. This is true in instances where the module needs to be aware of other data on the network, such as for windshield wipers that can change their speed based on the vehicle's speed. Another application is multi-color LED mood lighting in vehicles. For years, this was done using PWM and com-plementary waveform generator CIPs with the drivers connected to a LIN bus because the MCUs did not have CAN. A cost-effective 8-bit MCU with CAN could pro-vide flexibility and a simplified alternate approach to the design. System-level CIPs often eliminate the need for an additional ASIC or two.Most 8-bit MCUs rely heavily on the core for pro-cessing its peripheral's functions. CIPs perform several system design possibilities such as precision interface to various sensors, high-power LED driver and/or a reason-ably complex level of motor control, without significantly taxing the CPU. A variety of development tools are available to deter-mine the possibilities for a specific network. The MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC) is a great example of a free software plug-in that provides a graphical interface to configure peripherals and functions specific to the appli-cation. It allows system design engineers to easily config-ure hardware-based peripherals without the need to write and validate an entire software routine, to accomplish a specific task. A CAN-Do AttitudeSystem designers use various types of bus architectures for automotive and industrial applications. When addi-tional sensing and/or control are required for an existing network, an MCU with CAN is a great choice. With its Core Independent Peripherals, the 8-bit MCU/CAN fam-ily allows CAN expansion into more cost-sensitive nodes on the network. Whether you require a flexible, cost-effective, simple and reliable robust data transmission or an increased per-formance and system support for access control, battery charging/battery management and diagnostic equipment,; the new 8-bit MCU/CAN+CIPs that address emerging au-tomotive network applications are the solution. CAN today is more cost-effective and compatible with many automotive systems, thanks to its integration by semiconductor companiesEdwin Romero,Product Marketing Manager
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